Independence High School (Independence, Ohio)

Infobox Secondary school
name = Independence High School

motto = "Freedom To Excel" & "I-Pride"
established = 1922
type = Public High School
principal = Roger Howard
faculty = 34
students = 421
mascot = Blue Devil
colors = Royal Blue and Gold
city = Independence
state = Ohio
country = U.S.
website = http://www.independence.k12.oh.us/hs/
grades = 9 - 12
average
address = 6001 Archwood Road
newspaper = The Spectator
yearbook = The Eye (formerly Blue and Gold)

Independence High School is located in Independence, Ohio, south of Cleveland, Ohio. It is a part of the Independence Local School District. The school colors are Blue and Gold, and the mascot is a Blue Devil.

ummary

Located in the heart of Cuyahoga County, Independence is a small suburb south of Cleveland. It is part of a tradition of academic excellence, in which it scores well on both Ohio test scores, and has almost 100% graduation rate each year. Independence High School is accredited as four-year, comprehensive high school by the Ohio State Department of Education. The school year consists of two ninety-day semesters with four nine-week grading periods. There is one period a month, or 12 in a year. The 421 students at the high school are enrolled as follows

- Class of 2008 106 Students
- Class of 2009 88 Students
- Class of 2010 107 Students
- Class of 2011 120 Students

Student/Teacher Ratio 11.5: 1
Number of Faculty: 34
Faculty with degrees beyond BA/BS: 29 (85%)
Current Principal: Roger Howard

Curriculum

College preparatory subjects are strongly emphasized within a broadly based program of studies. Special programs are available for gifted learning-disabled and at-risk students. Students may also participate in a wide variety of vocational programs at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. A strong commitment has been made preparing Independence students to excel in a technological society. The labs are well equipped, new, up to date computers are available in every classroom with three available computer labs and a library with eleven computers and are all linked to a database and technology is routinely integrated into all academic disciplines.

Honors Courses

IHS offers 13 honors classes which include:
-English I II III IV
- Algebra II
- Pre-Calculus
- Biology
- Chemistry
- World History
- American History
- Economics
- Government

Advanced Placement Courses

IHS offers seven Advanced Placement (AP) courses:
- Calculus AB
- U.S. History
- English Literature
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- English Language and Composition
- Government

Independence Clubs and Affiliations

Video Club

Video Club is where students can make short films. Under the leadership of a group of students, the club makes short movies for enjoyment, and to learn how to use new equipment. The Video Club has made two movies during the 2007-2008 school-year: the I-Pride Awards DVD, and the Middle School Jump Rope video to be aired on the public cable channel.

Bowling Club

Headed by Mr. Corpuz, the bowling club competes against nearby schools as well as participates in tournaments amongst one another.

Biology Society

Biology Society, under the leadership of Mr. Maretka, takes numerous field trips down to the land lab, have a spring trip each year, and annually watch the salamander migration.

ADD

SADD, or Students Against Destructive Decisions, tries to get the Independence student body involved in activities that would help them decide against making harmful decisions. Joey Augustyn, who graduated recently, pioneered the "Why?" Campaign, which questions everyday students about why they make the decisions they make. SADD's adviser is Mr. Scoczen.

tudent Council

This group of leaders is in charge of pep assemblies, dances, spirit week, charity work, and fundraisers. The council also works to govern the student body and collaborate with faculty to solve miscellaneous school-related problems. The organization is led by Mrs. Ribovich and currently President Emily Laski.

Yearbook Committee

This group of students work year-round to produce the awaited and very creative yearbook. The committee is run by Mr. Jaszczak.

Key Club

Headed by Mr. Wells, they work with the Kiwanis Club of Independence, helping with pancake breakfasts, barbecues, and community service to benefit our community.

National Honors Society

Mrs. Romanchik and Mrs. Fike head this club which awards the cream of the crop with this very prestigious title. They do community service and tutor kids as well.

ki Club

Students take weekly trips to Boston Mills in the Winter, where they can ski or snowboard. The group is run by Ms. Davis.

Academic Challenge

Mr. Wells is the head of this club which competes against other schools in various subjects in an attempt to challenge their minds.

Prom Committee

Led by Mrs. Satola, this club works year-round to ensure a safe and enjoyable Junior-Senior Prom near the end of the school year.

Music Department

Mr. Gunlicks is at the head of the IHS Music Department.- Students who are a part of the Marching Band or Vocal Ensemble perform at football games, put on a Madrigal Dinner near Christmas, and take a trip to Florida where they march in Disney World’s SpectroMagic parade and sing at EPCOT every other year.

Glass Ceiling

Mrs. Hanratty is the head of this club, which gives students a chance to prepare for a career in the business world.

Mock Trial

Dr. Fierer is the head of this club in which students debate against one another and other schools, practicing court trials while learning debating techniques along the way.

pectator

Mrs. Neville is the head of this group. The Spectator comes out periodically throughout the year, with news over the latest updates, movie reviews, opinionated articles, teacher news, and debates to keep the student body informed about IHS.

Facilities

The new Shared Use Facility was completed in 2004-2005 in conjunction with the City of Independence under the leadership of Mayor Fred P. Ramos.

Cafeteria

• Accommodates up to 300 people
• 3 cable TV hookups
• Video capability
• Accessible from the Fieldhouse

Community Auditorium

• 1200 seats
• Stage
• Orchestra pit with elevator
• Fly loft accommodates movable sets
• State-of-the-art audio & lighting

Competition Gymnasium

• 11,900 sq. ft. multipurpose court
• 1200 seats
• Built to collegiate basketball specifications
• Sound system
• 2 locker rooms
• Accessible from the Fieldhouse

Lecture Hall

• 46 seats
• Computer plug in ports
• Video conferencing
• Distance learning
• Projection screen
• Cable access
• Independent sound system

Media Center

• Conference room availability
• 75 seats

Technology capabilities

• Internet access
• Data network
• Assistive listening sound system
• Cable TV
• Video Production

School colors: Blue and gold

Mascot: The Blue Devil

2006-2007 School Year State Report Cardhttp://www.independence.k12.oh.us/LRC/046565 LRC 06-07.pdf

Alma Mater

Tune: "Far Above Cayuga's Waters"

Far above Cuyahoga's waters,
Where we're honor bound,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
May her name resound.
Sing her praises never ceasing,
Raise our voices high,
Thee we honor, Alma Mater,
Independence High.

The words for the alma mater were written by Mrs. Cecil Burnett,
wife of the Superintendent who served Independence in the late 1930's

Ohio High School Athletic Association State Championships

* Track and Field - 1948 cite web|url=http://www.ohsaa.org/|title=Ohio High School Athletic Association Web site|accessdate=2006-12-31|author=OHSAA]

External links

* [http://www.independence.k12.oh.us/ District Website]

Notes and references

* http://www.independence.k12.oh.us/hs/IHSInfo/prmessage_files/image002.jpg